Poland unveils its vision for the common European defense and security

Poland has outlined its concept for the Common European Security and Defense Policy (CESDP) in which it expresses its willingness to be guaranteed of a place in the Military Committee (MC) and Military Staff (MS). The document has been sent to French Foreign Minister Hubert Vedrin, as France is responsible for coordinating the work of the West European Union (WEU) during its presidency of the European Union (EU). Poland's proposal is the first from countries aspiring for membership into the EU. According to Andrzej Jaroszynski of the Foreign Ministry defense and security department, the presence of Polish officers during the planning stages of WEU is vital to ensure that Poland would have a say in the future CESDP. Poland has also pledged to disclose the number of troops it would be willing to supply for future EU peacekeeping missions. (Zycie, page 3)